Launched on 14th January 2011, the Panasonic Lumix GF2 made many consumers' hearts flutter with its light weight, intuitive touch screen display and overall ease of use. It is definitely one of the top contenders in the micro four thirds arena, which comes as surprise given that Panasonic was a pioneer in this camera system.
Advertised as the world's current smallest and lightest system camera for an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash (as of November 4, 2010), the GF2 allows users to "seek art in everyday life" through their images with a fuss free process.
(The Lumix GF2 is available in black, silver, white and pink)
Notable specifications and features of the Lumix GF2 include:
- ISO sensitivity: Auto/Intelligent ISO/ISO100-6400
- Shutter speed: 1/4000s - 60s
- 23 autofocus areas
- 12.1 megapixel image resolution with Live MOS sensor, promising high quality pictures at lower power consumption
- A newly designed graphic user interface enabling touch screen navigation, shooting, recording and playback
- Stunning 1920 x 1080 full HD movie recording capabilities with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator promising high quality audio
- Simple iA (intelligent Auto) mode
- Smart, Touch-screen operation
- Compact, lightweight interchangeable lens
- Newly added My Color Mode, allowing eight preset effects on captured images
- VIERA Link: Images and videos compatible for viewing on VIERA TVs at HD resolution
- Equipped with Dust Reduction System that prevents dust/foreign matter from adhering to sensor during lens change
- Comes with hotshoe (affords attachment of tilt-shift DMW-LVF1 Live view Finder)
- Dimensions - 112.8 x 67.8 x 32.8mm
Lumix GF2 review
Red Dot Photo had an opportunity to utilize and review the Panasonic Lumix GF2 double lens kit (14mm/F2.5 ASPH and 14-42mm/F2.5-5.6 ASPH./Mega O.I.S). Aspects such as the camera's usability, noise levels, distortion, sharpness and vignetting will be covered in the review. Comparisons will also be made with Olympus's E-PL1 and E-PL2.
(GF2 with 14mm/F2.5 ASPH & GF2 with 14-42mm/F2.5-5.6 ASPH./Mega O.I.S)
1. Usability
The GF2 is relatively easy to use, even for novice photographers, given that a number of thoughtful reconfigurations have been implemented, in comparison to its predecessor, the Lumix GF1.
(A reconfigured top plate in the GF2 allows users to shoot great pictures every time with the intelligent Auto button)
The camera's on/off button is located near the shutter button, ensuring that uses do not have to fumble to get a quick shot. Most noticeably, the mode dial has been removed from the GF2, allowing users to change camera modes and settings through the intuitive touch screen display, control buttons or rear dial at the back of the camera.
(Image taken with GF2, 14-42mm lens, aperture priority mode, f/6.3, 1/800, ISO 100)
An iA (intelligent Auto) button has also been added, enabling photographers to take a good shot without worrying about technical aspects of image capture. The mode detects and sets optimal settings, guaranteeing beautiful photographs with maximum ease every time.
(Taken with Lumix GF2, f/5.6, 1/80 shutter speed, ISO200)
Another interesting and fun element of the GF2 is its "My Colour mode", which can be used for both image and movie capture. It renders highly unique expressions by matching the colours of subjects and surroundings to a user chosen mode, such as retro, monochrome, cinema and dynamic art, among others. Examples of photographs taken in the eight preset modes can be found below.
(Images taken with the GF2's My Colour Mode)
2. Noise comparison: Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix GF2
A simple setup to compare noise levels between the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix GF2 was carried out, as seen below:
To test for pincushion distortion, photographs were taken at the lenses' longest focal length, 42mm (with the exception of Panasonic's pancake 14mm lens). The resulting comparison picture chart can be found below:
Both Panasonic's and Olympus's lenses displayed minimal barrel and pincushion distortion at their longest and shortest focal length. Distortion is essentially well controlled and there is little significant difference between resulting images.
4. Sharpness: Panasonic's zoom lens (14-42mm/F2.5-5.6 ASPH.) vs pancake lens (14mm/F2.5 ASPH)
To test centre to edge sharpness, a Lumix GF2 box and catalog was positioned and set up. Images were taken from apertures f/3.5 through f/22.
The 100% centre crops show that images taken with Panasonic's Lumix G Vario 14-42mm zoom lens at apertures 3.5, 4.0 and 5.6 were marginally softer than images taken with its Lumix G 14mm pancake lens at the same apertures.
Next, the 100% bottom right crops shows that images taken with the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm zoom lens at apertures 3.5, 4 and 5.6 were comparatively softer than those taken with the Lumix G 14mm pancake lens at the same apertures.
5. Vignetting: Panasonic's zoom lens (14-42mm/F2.5-5.6 ASPH.) vs pancake lens (14mm/F2.5 ASPH)
A light fall off test was also carried out, where a white wall was photographed from apertures f/2.5 throughout 22 using Panasonic's 14mm/F2.5 ASPH pancake lens and from apertures f/3.5 throughout f/22 using Panasonic's 14-42mm/F2.5-5.6 ASPH zoom lens.
Light fall off is noticeable in the prime lens from apertures f/2.5 throughout f/5.6, and from apertures f/3.5 throughout f/5.6 for the zoom lens.
6. Conclusion
The Lumix GF2 is extremely easy to use with foolproof controls and functions. It would be a suitable camera for photographers who are looking for a compact camera that promises high quality images, minus the weight of a bulky DSLR.
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